Caruthersville Humane Society

The following is a release I received from the Caruthersville Humane Society. For those who may not be aware, Caruthersville is a major receiver of both large and small animals during natural disaster.

The past week they have been experiencing a record number of animals being displaced due to the extreme weather conditions.

Please if you have contacts, friends or family in the southern bootheel region, consider enlisting them to help in what is quickly becoming an overwhelming situation.

Not only is our bootheel under an above average burden but the area surrounding Poplar Bluff is also being inundated by hoards of animals in need.

The main contact for Poplar Bluff is 573-686-8635.

PRESS RELEASE-CARUTHERSVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

Caruthersville Humane Society

P.O. Box 345

Caruthersville, MO 63830

(573) 333-0100

Press Release

For Immediate Release

For further information, contact K Wilcox at (573) 333-0100

The Caruthersville Humane Society Shelter has been in a disaster mode since the beginning of last week. Preparations are underway to move the disaster housed animals to a location in Kennett, Missouri. This decision has been made to enlarge the operation. "We are moving the operation so that we can tend to the animals that we have in the shelter already and prepare for more," Humane Society President Karol Wilcox said, "The ASPCA and the HSUS animal rescue groups are here with us and will be handling the move and the emergency shelter."

The ASPCA and HSUS are conducting assessments of animal situations and are trained for water rescue and other disaster issues. Anyone who is leaving the area and has nowhere to care for their animals can call the shelter number at (573) 333-0100. Calls are being fielded 24 hours a day. There is no charge for housing the animals and residents may pick their animals up when they return to their homes. If you see an animal in distress, please call the shelter number to report it.

"The move to Kennett is one of preparedness only," Wilcox said, "We are doing our best to make sure that everyone can take care of their family pets during this time. The key to preparedness is in the planning and the ASPCA and HSUS are here in our area to help make sure that the animal needs are addressed."

All of the Humane Society's animals were moved to other shelter locations for adoption on Saturday to open the shelter up to house the almost 80 flood animals that have come into be taken care of. "Until this situation is over, we will be operating as a disaster shelter," Wilcox said, "We could not do it without the help that has come in and we are grateful to have the resources at hand to care for the animals."

Donations can be made to the shelter at P.O. Box 345, Caruthersville, MO 63830.